Country Artists Who Have Suffered Terrible Tragedies

Tragedy can strike anyone, from a neighbor next door to family members to some of the biggest superstars in the world; no one is exempt. Whether you have a row of Grammys on your mantle or not, losing a loved one or facing another tragic event cuts deeply, and there are several country stars who have endured plenty of hardship in their lifetimes.

George Strait and his wife Norma lost their first child, their daughter Jenifer, in a car accident in San Marcos, Texas. She was only 13 at the time -- a middle school student who had a bright future in front of her. Sadly, Strait isn't the only star to lose a child: A number of others have as well, including, most recently, Craig Morgan.

Gary Allan, too, went through a horribly sad loss when his wife took her own life, leaving him and his children; Loretta Lynn lost a child long before he should have gone; and we can't forget the devastating tragedy Reba McEntire experienced in 1991.

These artists, among others, have withstood tragic circumstances and come out on the other side a little battered and certainly scarred, but stronger -- and several used music as their solace and outlet. Click through the photo gallery below to read about more country stars who have suffered tragedy.